Numb Toes on Elliptical

I will look forward to hearing responses on this, as I experience this as well. I find it is worse on the elliptical machine I have at home, and not so much at the ones at the gym. It is really annoying...

Rose

I haven't hear of this specifically on the tred/elliptical, but the toes on my right foot have been getting numb when I do a lot of walking, wear tight shoes and workout vigorously. My podiatrist thought it was Morton's Neuroma - a common issue of the foot where you can get a little neuroma (or more than one) in your foot near your toes. Excess pressure or poor-fitting shoes and running, heavy excercise can exaggerate it and cause numbness and pain. The only issue in my case though - they did an ultrasound and I don't have any neuromas. It can also be cause by sciattica issues - even when no lower back pain is present, one can get numbness and pain or tingling in the calves, ankles, feet and toes. I wonder too if it could possibly be a circulatory or blood pressure issue - being the furthest appendages from your heart could be indicative of a circulatory issue. Best of luck in finding an answer - wish I knew what was going on with my foot too. *hugs*

i found this too on ehow.com
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Causes of Numbness
When operating an elliptical trainer, the feet stay motionless in one place, unlike a treadmill or stairstepper where you pick up your feet. The constant pressure of your body weight on your feet can affect your circulation and cause the feet to feel numb or asleep. If you are wearing shoes that further restrict circulation because the shoes are too tight are ill-fittiing, that can compound the problem. Even shoes that are too loose can cause your feet to slide forward, which jams your toes and causes a similar sensation.

Preventing Numb Feet
First, make sure your shoes fit properly. Go to a store that specializes in sports footwear and have them measure your foot and look at your stride and pronation or supination problems so they can recommend the best pair of shoes for your feet. Second, consider custom orthotics from a podiatrist or try over-the-counter products at the drug store. Third, when using the elliptical, wiggle your toes frequently and rock back-and-forth on your feet. Using the reverse mode of the elliptical every few minutes can also provide relief. Fourth, try an incline, if your machine has that feature included. Finally, make sure you don't exercise on the elliptical too long. An optimal workout is considered to last 30 to 45 minutes.

Adjust your footing, wiggle your toes ... it usually happens from your foot being in one position for too long.

My left foot goes numb every time. I do the one foot pedal with my right foot for about 20 seconds, and let the blood flow back to my left foot. I repeat about every 8-10 minutes. I think it has to do with individual walking, or stride dynamics.

I had the same problem and after researching I found that as you exercise your feet swell - so if your shoes are to tight then it can slow down circulation to your feet = numbness

Since I don't run at all and mainly stick with the elliptical, the arc trainer and then stationary strength training I bought my shoes a half size bigger than normal - I did switch brands and made sure they fit well - even being 1/2 size bigger

Of course if you run with the same shoes then this might be a moot point as having shoes just a little too big might not work (although my friends that are runner have told me they buy their shoes a little big to combat swelling - but like I said I am NOT a runner - not much of a walker either...)